Description
Discover the creamy and hearty ways to prepare a quick chicken dinner with our Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe. This easy meal combines tender chicken with fluffy rice and a luscious, flavorful sauce, perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or cozy nights in. Fully customizable and budget-friendly, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup long-grain rice or jasmine rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or creamy milk alternative
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the seasoned chicken until golden, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Add rice and stir to coat with onion and garlic flavors. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until rice is tender.
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bites. Return to the skillet with rice, add heavy cream, and stir gently. Continue simmering for 5 more minutes until the sauce thickens and chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot with optional sides or extra herbs for added flavor.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed for creaminess.
- For spicier flavor, incorporate red pepper flakes or hot sauce into the seasoning or sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg